Chief Minister Pramod Sawant's assurance that recruitment in the government and private sector would begin with the onset of the year 2021 is purely aimed at assuaging public sentiment. The theory of an improving fiscal condition in a grim Covid-19 scenario is preposterous and lacks basis, more especially when the economy has been wobbly even during normal course.
The revenue collections have dipped considerably forcing the State to go into a massive borrowing spree. It was only a couple of days back that the State was allowed to borrow up to Rs 223 crore to meet its 'one nation, one ration' reform target. Borrowings have been the order of the day. The CAG in its report tabled on the floor of the House in February had raised concerns that debt repayment could strain government’s budgets in the future. The government is liable to pay Rs 1,676 crore in 2019-20 and Rs 2,126 crore in 2021-22, and these figures only mean that there's a lot of catching up to do.
While the government consoles itself over finances with the argument of meeting costs of salaries and social security schemes, it doesn't explain how surplus revenue is going to be generated to cut down the fiscal liabilities. A job promise against such an alarming situation appears absurd. In Covid times, the workload of large sections of existing employees has been cut down drastically, which is why it makes sense leveraging the existing human resources against the work requirement.
There's no denying the fact that tourism is in doldrums across the world, not just Goa. There will be no takers at this point in time, no matter how much of an effort the government puts in, especially because the State is no longer in the safe zone. The government has to set its priorities right, and the Industries is where Sawant and his team should be focusing right now.
The charges levied by GIDC chairman Glenn Ticlo against his government in what he calls as 'interference' cannot be brushed aside. Covid has dealt heavy blows on lives and livelihoods of people, but on the flip side, a few leaders have milked the situation to their financial advantage. Yes, the CM says the government is one big family, but he cannot deny the fact that the siblings in this family will not spare one another when it comes to territorial gains.
Wooing industry has to be a priority. American bike manufacturer Harley Davidson which has a cult-like following even in Goa has signalled its exit from India. Big brands shutting shop is the worst news when the economy is on a downturn. Cut to Goa, and the feedback from Industries on the business environment in the State is rank bad and which is why Goa's ease of doing business has plummeted further from 19 to 24 this time. The government has to pull up its socks, rather than play to the galleries with vague job promises.
